Archaeological and zoological specimens in the Illinois State Museum collections reflect cross-species similarities in pathologies. Some of these pathological changes are known to have elements of heritability in domestic species that have been evaluated. Furthermore, degree of environmental dependence appears to be highly variable, suggesting other influences are also involved. New evolutionary studies are suggesting that some late-life diseases may have originated as stress-responses that were selected as population stabilizing mechanisms.

One of our Brownbag Lectures

Weekly lectures held at the Museum's Research and Collections Center. Lectures are usually held during lunchtime on Wednesday. The RCC is located at 1011 E. Ash Street in Springfield. Access to the building is from 10 ½ Street (between Ash and Laurel Streets), where there is ample visitor parking in the west parking lot. For more information, please call 217-785-0037. Brown Bag Lectures are free and open to the public.